Healing chapter 3

It had only been a few days but Korra was already starting to feel her strength return. Between daily healing sessions and a few on-the-side sessions of her own, her wounds were healing and her body was finding its old rhythm again. She was pushing herself in her training again. It was exhausting but gratifying. Her airbending was improving in leaps and bounds. She'd mastered the air scooter after only a few tries and all the bruises that came with her falling off the stupid thing had been worth it when she'd finally been able to stay on. Her skill in the physical side of bending was shining through now and she found herself catching up with Tenzin's children fast. She needed all the skill she could get if she was going to help keep the world in balance. So, despite stern warnings from Tenzin, Pema, her healers and even Mako, she pushed and she worked until she could barely move because the world needed an Avatar that wasn't helpless. The fact that it kept her mind off the mess that was her love-life was a small bonus. Maybe a big bonus.
It had been her decision to postpone a relationship with Mako in deference to her duties and Asami's feelings. But that didn't make the decision any easier. She had tried to simply stay away from him for the first day or two, but they seemed to almost gravitate towards each other. No matter where she went or what she did, she would inevitably bump into him. It was crazy! They'd never been so ridiculous about their attraction before. She often wondered if their sudden desperation for each other's company came from a combination of them finally being allowed to be together and their decision not to be. Training all day and all night meant she was focused and focusing on training meant she didn't have to try so hard not to think about kissing him. Think about how it had felt to have him hold her so intimately. Think about what the two of them were doing to Asami.
She hadn't spoken to Asami since before she'd been taken by Tarrlok. The older girl had been avoiding her and Korra felt awful for hurting her. She liked Asami. They were different in a lot of ways but the girl had spunk and she wasn't afraid of a fight. Korra admired the fact that she had kept her head and stuck to what was right when it meant losing her only family. She admired the girl for her beauty and grace. Was even secretly a little jealous of her for it. She would never admit it but she was desperately glad she had suffered very few permanent scars from her recent ordeal. Worrying about her looks had never been something she thought was worth her time, but the insecure girl in her begged to differ. Asami was gorgeous and Korra had often felt like she must look positively plain in comparison to the beautiful older girl. She wished they weren't fighting. Asami was the only girl near her age that Korra knew and she had valued her friendship. But even if Asami hadn't been doing everything she could to avoid her, Korra had no idea what she would say to her.
She saw her at meal times and often thought about following her afterwards to talk. To explain. To apologise. But she could never think of anything to say that wouldn't feel like empty words. Because she was sorry she had hurt Asami but she wasn't sorry that Mako wanted her. How could she be when it felt like the most wonderful thing in the world? She'd waited for him. Let him be with someone else when she thought it would make him happy. Suffered in silence for them. And in the end he had chosen her. The thought made her heart sing and sent shivers down her spine. She was ashamed of herself really. She was hurting someone she thought of as a very close friend and she'd never been happier. So rather than face up to that shame she pushed and she fought and she worked. There were more pressing things to think about. Today was no different.
She and Tenzin were working on a series of forms that allowed for both tactical retreat and long range attack. The movements would send them spiralling and spinning across the training field by riding a tunnel of air. When they gained some distance from one another they would blast air outwards from the sides of the tunnel to knock each other down. Or at least that was the idea. Korra had yet to manage holding the tunnel's shape and movement while simultaneously blasting air at Tenzin. The move required her to hold the air in several different shapes at the same time. Each time she managed to spiral herself away from him to attempt knocking him back, her tunnel would collapse and he would blast her off her feet. He blew to a stop beside her and sighed, rolling his shoulders as he let his tunnel dissipate.
"That's enough for today, Korra. You are doing remarkably well, but it's time to rest now." Tenzin watched as she simply got up and kept going, swirling her arms to gather enough air to form a new tunnel. "Pema will have dinner ready soon. You should go wash up." He was trying to be stern, but it wouldn't be the first time she had simply ignored him.
"That's ok, you go ahead. I wanna work on this form a little more. I'm pretty sure I can get it down tonight if I just –" She was cut off when Tenzin strode over to her and put a hand on her shoulder, glaring down at her firmly.
"No, Korra. I've had enough. I know you are under pressure and you want to work hard, but pushing yourself like this is only hurting you. Your body needs time to rest." He gave her a shove towards the temple and eyed her seriously. "I won't take no for an answer, young lady. Or do you want me to fetch Pema and have her handle this?" Korra winced violently at that and sighed in defeat. She didn't want to have to face Pema's pregnancy-fuelled wrath. She loved her but she could be damn scary sometimes, especially now with her pregnancy so close to its end.
"Alright, alright, you win," she mumbled, allowing him to steer her back to the temple. She would sneak out later again when he was busy. Tenzin was always busy these days. From what she'd heard of his conversations with Lin, Tarrlok's betrayal of the council had become a public relations nightmare. The council was up in arms about what to do. No one wanted to deny the fact that Tarrlok was a criminal, but letting the public know what he was would only add fuel to Amon's cause. If they didn't tell the city what Tarrlok was, he became martyr that the people would sympathise with. But if they did reveal his secret Amon would be the hero that had rid the city of another Yakone. And on top of that disaster, the entire city was terrified. Their Avatar had been so easily kidnapped and the war seemed to be escalating rapidly with no sign of a speedy resolution. The entire situation was infuriating and Korra just knew Amon was loving it.
When they reached the main door leading into the living quarters of the temple the airbending children all rushed her with a jubilant cry of her name. She laughed happily when Meelo leapt up at her and crawled over her shoulder to cling to her back yanking on her air-nomad training uniform. Ikki jumped around her, chattering about her day while Jinora stood before her and smiled patiently, waiting her turn.
"Korra, Korra! Are you done training? Can you come play? We could go gliding and you could fly too and we could pretend to be sky-pirates!" Ikki's excitement always amused Korra and she laughed now.
"Sorry, Ikki. I haven't learnt how to use a glider yet. Maybe Tenzin will teach me tomorrow," she said with a grin, eyeing Tenzin and knowing he was about to be coerced into doing exactly that. Meelo crawled up her back and she laughed heartily when he scrambled up onto her head, tugging at her hair to keep his balance.
"Yeah, Daddy, Korra has to fly! So we can take over the sky and be pirates and rule the world!" Meelo roared and tried to leap off her head into the air. She caught him and tucked him easily under her arm, tickling him while he squirmed. Tenzin sighed tiredly when Ikki started zooming around him on an air scooter, chattering about gliders and flying and sky-pirates. Korra grinned and hoisted Meelo up over her shoulder, deciding to take pity on her airbending master.
"C'mon, guys, its dinner time. If you all behave I'll tell you some neat stories Katara told me about Avatar Aang." She smirked knowingly when they all cried out in joy and Ikki rushed off to go wash up for dinner. Korra giggled happily as she watched Tenzin gratefully walk into the temple. She knew he loved his children but they could really be a handful and the poor man had so much on his plate. She sometimes wondered how he kept so calm all the time. Perhaps years of meditation really did do wonders for your psyche in the long run. She followed him in, still carrying a struggling Meelo and smiled when Jinora walked up beside her.
"Korra, do you know what happened to Zuko's mom?" She asked hopefully. She winced at that and smiled apologetically.
"Sorry, Jinora, I never heard that one. When I was growing up I only ever really asked Katara about the big adventures she went on with her friends. The other stories never really interested me." Jinora sighed sadly and Korra chuckled. "Don't worry. I have plenty of really good ones for you." She winked and Jinora smiled brightly. Korra loved the kids. They were like the little siblings she'd never had growing up. Each of them was a little bright spot in the mess that was their lives. Playing with them and telling them stories made her feel like part of the family. A family she would do anything to protect. When they reached the girl's dormitories she let go of Meelo and shuffled him down the hall towards the men's rooms, watching him run after his father and leap up onto his leg, clutching it tight. Tenzin never missed a step. Korra smiled warmly at them. She doubted Meelo would take a bath. It was a fight to get him in the water. On more than one occasion she'd had to use waterbending to clean the kid and he would always find a way to get dirty immediately afterwards.
With a wave to Jinora she stepped into her room and gathered up some clean clothes. She was looking forward to a hot bath. Her body was stiff and tired and a nice long soak sounded amazing. She tracked wearily down to the big communal bathroom the girls all shared and slipped inside. It had always seemed strange to her. The bath looked more like a giant heated pool. But Pema had explained that bathrooms like this were common practice amongst the air-nomads, who shared everything. The room was quiet and she sighed with relief. Undressing quickly, she eased into the warm water, sinking in to her nose. It felt good to relax for a change. Even her meditation sessions in the morning were dedicated to her duties. She spent so much time thinking about how to handle Amon and the Equalists and training to fight them, she had almost forgotten how to unwind. She let out a long breath and let herself relax for the first time in ages. A shudder ran through her and she frowned lightly. The water wasn't quite hot enough. Nothing a firebender couldn't fix. She sat up and folded her hands together in a well-practiced pose. With a deep breath she exhaled sharply, heating up the water with her 'breath of fire'. The water hissed as the entire room filled with steam. Much better. She smiled at her handy work but froze when she heard a gasp come from across the room. Swallowing the lump that had suddenly filled her throat, Korra turned to see Asami standing in the water on the other end of the bath. It was clear she hadn't noticed Korra come in until the sudden change in the water's temperature. They stared at each other for a moment and Korra found herself at a loss for words. The room suddenly felt ice cold. There was so much she wanted to say. So much that needed to be said. But Korra could feel her throat tighten the second she tried to open her mouth and Asami only watched her, her expression unreadable. With a splash she was out of the water and then she was gone. All Korra could think was that if she hadn't left the training field this whole encounter could have been avoided. With a frustrated sigh she flopped back down into the water, intent on simply finishing her bath and getting out. She hated that she was avoiding things now. She had never been the type of person to avoid anything before and now it seemed like she was avoiding everything but her duties. But she didn't know how else to deal with this sort of situation.
Growing up in a training compound had left her with no companions her own age. Struggles of the heart were new to her. She had tried being her usual forceful self and that had gotten her rejection. Apparently telling a boy who was already dating someone else that you were 'meant to be' was bad form, despite what Pema had to say about it. So she had tried to force herself to forget him instead. And then he had come to her and suddenly she had all sorts of other problems to deal with. She had to be patient. She hated being patient. It always felt like wasting time. Dating and relationships were a giant pain in the neck. She wanted to do what came naturally and confront the problem head on. But when she looked at Asami all she felt was shame and that was a new and awful feeling. One she didn't want to face.

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Asami didn't really know what to do with herself anymore. Trapped on an island with her ex-boyfriend and the girl he had left her for. With nowhere else to go. She'd been switching from furious to heartbroken for days and the emotional rollercoaster was beginning to wear her down. She felt lost and broken and alone. Alone on an island full of people. The thought seemed ridiculous. She'd been avoiding her friends, if she could call them that. Hadn't spoken to anyone in days. Hadn't spoken at all in days. She had been dividing her time between the woods on the island, training in her own fighting style, and helping Pema with chores. She found the menial housework helped keep her mind off things and Pema was wonderful company, even when Asami wasn't speaking.
She hadn't missed the fact that Korra seemed to be avoiding Mako and it gave her a twisted sort of satisfaction. She half hoped that Korra had simply rejected him entirely but knew that was unlikely. Korra had hidden it well but according to Ikki she'd had feelings for Mako all along. Had even shared a kiss with him. She wasn't sure whether or not she was happy Bolin had let that little bit of information slip. They had kissed…when she and Mako had only just started dating. Did that count as cheating? They had only been together for a few days at the time. They hadn't been anything serious yet. But it still felt like a monstrous betrayal. The tournament seemed so long ago. Things had been easier then, simpler. It had all become a disaster so fast. And her father had gotten himself tangled up in the middle of all of it. She realised that given the situation in the city, she shouldn't be so focused on something as petty as a love-triangle. But how could anyone expect her to have any emotional reserves left? Her mother had been taken from her when she was young enough to barely remember her so the only parent she'd ever really known was her father. She'd lived her entire life loving him dearly and believing him to be a good man who generally wanted to help people. And then he'd turned out to be in league with the Equalists and that monster, Amon. She'd had to forget everything she'd known about him. Everything she'd loved. She'd had to choose the 'right side' over her father. Her emotional tank had already been running on empty when Mako had decided to break her heart. There was nothing left in her to be gracious. All that was left now was heartache and anger and confusion.
It was a night like any other when Pema decided it was time for her to start talking again. Asami had been helping her with dinner and, as usual, hadn't said a word all night. She'd been set to chopping vegetables and had barely started the job when Pema cleared her throat expectantly.
"Asami, dear, are you alright? You've been very quiet lately." Asami grimaced and bowed her head a little, focusing more on the vegetables. She didn't want to talk. But Pema was persistent. "Is this about whatever you and the others are arguing about?" She hesitated then, the knife pausing half-way through the potato she was working on. She hadn't thought the adults had really been paying attention to the teens' social situations. When she glanced nervously at the older woman Pema laughed. "Come now, you didn't think we wouldn't see how you three have been acting did you? Mako has been hovering like an over-protective mother, Korra is avoiding all of you and you haven't said a word in days. Bolin is the only one acting like himself." Asami didn't really know what to say to that. How did she explain her problems to a woman who had everything she wanted out of life? Pema had a loving husband and a wonderful family. What could she possibly know about Asami's situation? But…she was so tired of feeling alone.
"Mako and I…we broke up." It felt weird to say it out loud. Like something in her hadn't really acknowledged it until that moment. Her voice sounded like a stranger's to her own ears after so many days of silence.
"I'm sorry, dear," Pema said sympathetically. "Do you want to talk about it?" She seemed genuinely concerned and it was like a switch had suddenly been flipped somewhere inside her. Tears pooled in her eyes and Asami felt herself break all over again. A sob burst past her lips and she dropped the knife, gripping the counter top tightly.
"Oh, sweety it's alright," Pema said gently, steering her toward the table with warm, motherly hands. "Sit down, I'll make us some tea and we can talk." She did as she was bid and tried to regain her composure, watching the older woman work. By the time Pema was setting a cup of steaming tea down in front of her, Asami had managed to swallow her tears long enough to thank her. And when Pema gave her an encouraging look she felt the entire story just bubble out of her in a long rush. Her relationship with Mako. His hidden feelings for Korra. Korra's apparently equally hidden feelings for him. Her suspicions over Mako's reaction to Korra being kidnapped. And finally their break-up, that had left her so emotionally drained. Pema listened patiently and when the story was finally over she was smiling at Asami in a sad, understanding sort of way.
"I know this may seem unlikely, dear, but I was in a similar situation when I was younger, except I was on the other end. I stole Tenzin from another woman," she admitted. "I don't think Lin ever truly forgave me." That took Asami by surprise.
"What did she do?" She asked, feeling a little hopeless. If she and Lin played the same role in this story, did that mean she was destined to be bitter and hate Korra and Mako forever?
"She tried to have me arrested." Pema gave her a wry smile at this and reached out to pat Asami's hand. "But I really did steal Tenzin from her. I watched them together for years and it finally became too much. So I told him how I felt and he left her. Did Korra do the same thing?" That gave Asami pause. Had Korra done that? Had the younger girl thrown herself at Mako and confessed her love in order to sway him away from her?
"No. I mean Bolin said she did…but that was a long time ago. I don't think that had anything to do with…" She swallowed past the lump in her throat and shook her head. "I suppose, considering her feelings, she was actually really nice about our relationship." Admitting that hurt Asami more than she wanted it to. It meant she was angry with the younger girl for something she hadn't had any control over. Pema gave her a sympathetic nod and sat back to look at her for a moment.
"I know you're hurting, dear. It's not a fair situation and no one expects you to simply forgive and forget right away. But maybe you should talk to Korra. She needs her friends now more than ever and I'm sure she'd like to still count you as one. You all need each other." Asami sighed and stared into her cup of tea. It was asking a lot. She didn't even know what she would say to Korra if they did talk. Logically she knew now that Korra hadn't done this. Not on purpose anyway. But that didn't change the fact that the Avatar was the reason Mako had left her. Pema left her at the table to finish dinner while Asami mulled things over. She sipped her tea quietly and watched Pema work, feeling just a little bit better. She didn't feel quite so alone anymore. Still broken and more confused now than ever. But not alone, and that helped.
When her cup was empty she stood and excused herself. Pema had given her a lot to think about and she needed time to process all of it. A bath would help. A long bath. She was in and out of her room in minutes and then she was sinking into the warm water. The room had a soft sort of lighting to it, thanks to the little lanterns hanging from the walls. The light didn't quite fill the bathhouse but it gave the entire room a sort of soft glow that made for a very relaxing ambiance. Sighing, she leaned back against the edge of the bath and let herself soak in the naturally heated water. The water fed into the bath from a hot spring that had been carved to look like a stylised koi fish. Korra had once told her it was in honour of the form the moon and ocean spirits had taken in the physical world. Something Aang had picked in memory of a great battle in the northern water tribe. She watched the fountain now, listening to the sound of the water gushing into the bath and sighed. Could she forgive the Avatar? Probably. But not right away. Sighing heavily she sank deeper into the water and enjoyed the silence, letting the water rush up past her ears so that everything was muffled. It was perfectly still in the bathroom when a loud hiss filled the air and the water suddenly became almost scalding. With a gasp of shock Asami stumbled to her feet and looked around nervously. With a start she felt her hands clench of their own accord and she had to fight to loosen them.
All she'd wanted was some time to sit and relax without having to think about Korra or Mako. But the Spirits had decided to throw the younger girl right into her solitude. She watched her now. Korra had an earthy sort of beauty to her. It wasn't striking or obvious. It was the type of beauty that stuck with you. Lingered and made you remember. With naturally tan skin, thick, dark hair and brilliant azure eyes, Asami half wondered if she'd ever really stood a chance. Oh she knew she was beautiful. She'd known since she was young. She'd spent most of her young life learning all the tricks to highlighting her features and making them more striking. But Korra didn't know. Korra was natural. And Asami was startled to find she was jealous of that. She wondered for a moment if she should say anything. Let Korra say anything.  She could see her trying to do just that. It seemed like she was trying to work up the nerve to speak. Asami wasn't sure she wanted to hear it. So before the younger girl could say whatever it was she was clearly trying to say, Asami left. She gathered her clothes and ran. Because she wasn't ready to forgive her. She wasn't ready to realise that Mako had been right.

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When Korra finally slipped into the dining hall for dinner most of the residents of the temple were already there. She looked around the table and let out an irritated huff. The only seat open was right next to Mako. Of course. With a roll of her eyes she sat down beside him, trying hard not to seem uncomfortable. He smiled at her lightly when she sat and that damn shiver made its way down her spine again. Duties. Asami. She had to remember why they were waiting. She looked away from him and focused her attention on the other diners. To her surprise, Lin was sitting beside Pema, the two talking urgently to Tenzin. There was something in the way she was holding herself that warned Korra this wasn't a social visit. Curious, she leaned over toward Mako.
"What's going on? Did something happen?" He leaned in as well and shrugged.
"No idea, they've been whispering to each other since before I sat down. Pema looks pretty ticked off," he muttered. He glanced down at her still-empty plate and frowned, reaching forward to start piling food into it. Korra rolled her eyes and swatted his hands away. She didn't need Mako acting over-protective in front of Asami right now. Deciding instead to focus on the adults, she leaned forward and cleared her throat.
"What happened?" When they turned to look at her, Korra knew she was right. Something was going on.
"The Equalists are becoming emboldened. This mess with Tarrlok has done exactly what we've been worried it would. People are joining Amon's cause." Lin tossed a newspaper at Korra and when she lifted it she was greeted with a full page photo of an Equalist rally. A reporter had somehow infiltrated one and the sheer mass of people was horrifying.
"Spirits…there are so many." She hadn't realised so many people would side with a monster like Amon. There had to be hundreds now, maybe even thousands. "Even if we beat Amon, how are we going to fix all of this?" She threw the paper down in disgust and looked up at Tenzin.
"We'll cross that bridge when we come to it," Tenzin said sagely. "For now we need to focus on the task at hand. Amon's strength is growing. We're going to need help if we want to face him on equal footing."
"Where are we going to get help from? Half the city hates us," Bolin said, serious for once. "And the other half is terrified of Amon." Tenzin nodded and pressed his fingers together in thought.
"I plan to ask the Order of the White Lotus." There was silence for a moment as they all processed that. If Tenzin wanted to involve the Order of the White Lotus, things must have progressed further than the adults had been letting on.
"I thought the White Lotus was already here." The entire room turned to look at Asami in shock and she frowned stubbornly. She turned to meet Korra's eye searchingly and the Avatar understood. Asami had made the first move. It was her turn.
"The sentries here are only a very small part of the order," she explained. "The actual order is much, much bigger. There are members all over the world. Even the compound I grew up in only had a few small teams stationed there." Mako leaned forward and looked at Tenzin over the table.
"How are you going to get them all here? If we sent out that many wires from the station, Amon would find out for sure." Tenzin glanced awkwardly at his wife and she glared at him in response, folding her arms irritably.
"You may as well tell them." When he seemed unwilling, looking at his wife apologetically, Lin took pity on him.
"He's planning to go to the South Pole himself," she explained seriously. She gave Tenzin a look and he exhaled heavily.
"The compound you were trained in still holds most of the higher ranking members. If I go directly to them we can organise a mass movement of the order to Republic City." Korra bit her lip at this and sat back.
"So you're leaving? But, we need you here Tenzin," her tone was more pleading than she was comfortable with. Tenzin was one of the few people in the city who really knew what he was doing. She needed his guidance. Pema let out a huff when Tenzin didn't answer.
"Oh, he hasn't told you the best part," she said sarcastically and Tenzin winced guiltily. The teens all turned to him expectantly and he sighed.
"When I go, I'm taking my family with me and they will remain there until the threat is over." Korra couldn't honestly say she was surprised. In fact she supported the idea wholeheartedly. She would miss Pema and the kids terribly but they would be safer away from this giant mess. They were her pseudo-family. If anything happened to them…
"The idea was mine," Lin said then and they all turned to her. "Tenzin and his family are the last remaining airbenders in the world. Their safety is of the utmost importance," she said seriously. Tenzin nodded to her and then looked seriously at Korra once more.
"I plan to return the moment I have amassed the Order. Lin will be remaining here with you. I want you to listen to her, Korra. All of you." He eyed the teens sternly and they all nodded stoically. "And please, for Spirit's sake, don't do anything foolish! You need to look out for one another. Now is the time to look to your friends. Keep each other safe." Korra glanced at each of her friends and wondered if they could do what Tenzin was asking of them. They all were all staring back at her, each looking as concerned as she felt. They were looking to her for leadership. They trusted her. In spite of everything that had happened between them, they trusted her. The thought filled her with new determination and she squared her shoulders.
"We'll do whatever it takes, Tenzin, I promise."

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Dinner was a sombre affair after that. Korra listened to Tenzin discuss their plans to travel to the Southern compound with careful concentration. They were leaving within the next two days, flying on Oogi and two other bison. They would be taking a few air acolytes and healers with them in case the worst happened and Pema went into labour. Flying so late during her pregnancy was a danger she was unhappy about facing, but Korra suspected she was more upset about leaving them alone on the island. She was worried about them and the thought warmed Korra. When the plans were made and everyone had finished their quiet meal she stood and left the room, intent on some time alone to think. Her first instinct was to practice forms with the radio blaring outside. It had been her fall back whenever she needed to think. She'd been planning to do just that from the moment Tenzin had forced her inside for dinner. But instead she found her feet carrying her out into the dark, past the training area and into the bushes. She followed the path out onto the cliffs overlooking Yue Bay and took a deep breath of the fresh sea air.
She had come here once before, to stare out at Aang's statue, feeling lost and alone. Her friends had found her there, to comfort her. Things had been easier then. It felt like a lifetime ago. She stood for a moment and stared at the glowing statue, lit from below. Aang had done so much in his life. He'd been heralded as one of the greatest Avatars in existence, having ended the hundred year war at the tender age of twelve and founding the United Republic alongside Fire Lord Zuko just a short while later. Korra stared at the giant statue of her predecessor and smiled wryly. Large shoes to fill indeed.
"I could use your help here, Aang. How did you do it? You were just a kid and you saved the world. One city shouldn't be so hard." Korra sat and pressed her fists together, taking a deep breath to ease into her meditation. She let her mind and spirit free the way she had done in that box and felt the world shift around her. This felt different. It felt like she'd been disconnected from her body. She was floating. Lighter than air. The glow of the bay and the sounds of the ocean seemed oddly muted. But when had she opened her eyes? Curious, she glanced around and yelped in surprise. Was that her? How was she looking at her own body sitting on the ground below? For a second she panicked, wondering absurdly if she had died. Was it possible? To accidentally disconnect yourself from your body during mediation? It would be so typical of her. To somehow push too hard and accidentally shove out her own life force. Was her body still breathing? As soon as she thought of inspecting her own body she found herself floating down towards it. She leaned forward and squinted at herself. She certainly still looked alive. It seemed strange to be looking at her own face without a mirror. She grimaced lightly. Was that really how exhausted she appeared to everyone else? A light hearted chuckle broke the odd silence and she spun sharply to see a glowing figure before her.
"Aang?" She was in the spirit world. Somehow she had slipped into the spirit world and, for the first time, she had made a true connection with him. He smiled at her warmly and she could see that youthfulness Katara had spoken of so fondly hidden in his old eyes. This Aang was older than the one she'd seen in her visions. She could feel her connection to him strongly now. They were one and the same. Two versions of the same everlasting being.
"It's good to see you, Korra. What took you so long?" The words sounded familiar but she wasn't sure why. With a smile of her own, Korra bowed deeply.
"Sorry I kept you waiting." She looked up at him and grinned. "I've been a little tied up lately." He chuckled again and the sound lifted her spirits. Her figurative spirits anyway.
"I need your help, Avatar Aang. The city is falling out of balance. I don't know how to fix it. So many people hate benders now…" She looked up at him imploringly. He had gone through so much; he had to have some ideas. He paused for a moment as if to gather his thoughts.
"When my friends and I started the Harmony Restoration Movement, we assumed that people from the different nations shouldn't be mixed. Be believed that after all the damage caused by the fire nation, the people of the world needed time to heal without reminders of the war. Much has happened since the Hundred Year War, Korra, but one thing will never change: people fear what they do not understand. Fire Lord Zuko saw what the Movement was doing to his people and he fought to protect them and this made The Earth King fear for his people. He would not listen so he fought and the Harmony Restoration Movement failed. You know the story of how the City was founded. When the people understood each other, there was harmony. Republic City has fallen out of balance because they are divided by fear. You must make them see, Korra. You must unite them once more. Make them see. Make them listen. When you do that, you will have all the strength you need to defeat Amon." She paused and frowned slightly.
"So you're saying I need to unite the benders against him?" It sounded like he was asking her to build an army. He smiled at her knowingly and shook his head.
"No, Korra. I am saying you need to unite the people. Remember, we are all connected. All the nations are one people. Everything and everyone is connected." That sparked an old memory she wasn't sure was hers.
"Separation is just an illusion," she whispered to herself and Aang's smile widened.
"Do you understand now?" She nodded determinately. She did understand. And she knew what she needed to do. Tenzin was not going to like this.
"Thank you, Aang," she said sincerely. He moved closer to her then and rested his hand lightly on her shoulder. The sensation was odd. Like a breath of air ghosting across her skin.
"Remember," he said seriously. "The illusion of separation always destroys balance and harmony. You will need to find balance in yourself, if you intend to fix the balance of the world." She stared up at him in confusion and wondered what exactly he meant. But before she could think to ask he started to fade away and when she blinked she found herself back in her own body. The sudden change was disorienting and she swayed where she sat on the hard earth. She lifted a hand to her head and took a steadying breath. Aang had told her to unite the people and in order to do that, she would first need to find balance within herself. But how? How did anyone achieve true balance?
"Are you ok?" Startled, Korra flipped to her feet and spun into a defensive stance. When her eyes fell on Mako she sighed and relaxed. He'd followed her. Still over-protective. She wondered idly if it would annoy her more if she weren't so madly in love with the idiot.
"How long have you been here?" He shrugged and moved over to stand beside her, looking out at the bay. The light of the moon cast a soft glow across his features and she had the brief notion that this could have been a very romantic setting, if things had been just a little different.
"I saw you sneak off. Figured you'd be pushing yourself with your training again." He glanced at her then and smirked. "I was planning to drag you back to the temple. I know we're waiting and you don't want me to make things more difficult, but I wasn't gonna let you keep hurting yourself like that. But when you came here I realised you just wanted some time alone to think. So I decided to wait." He hesitated and looked up at the night sky. "When you were meditating…it seemed like you weren't really there. Like your body was here but you weren't." A self-conscious sort of frown creased his brow and he shrugged. "I know, it sounds crazy." She smiled then and shook her head.
"No, it doesn't. You were right, in a way. I wasn't here anymore. I was in the Spirit World. I…I spoke to Aang." His eyes widened and he turned fully towards her.
"You actually spoke to him?" She chuckled at his shock.
"I know, it sounds crazy." She was teasing him and it made him smile. "I needed his help but I wasn't sure how to contact him before. He came to me when I let him." She turned to look back at Aang's statue and became serious once more. "I know what we have to do."